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Zf^t ^ativwt^ Uu 



BY N. BRASHEARS, 
AUTHOR OF '^ Columbia's wreath/' kc. 



t,.,>i 1 1- ^ ,. 



THE S.1TIRIST, 



WITH 



|«i0ctXlatteottfi Jj^itttn 



IN 



VDR^E ARfD PROSE. 



" From grave to gay, from lively to severe. " 



BY ]v5bRASH1GAR$>, 

duthor of " Columbia's Wreath;^ ^c. SfC 

^ (i 

WASHINGTON: 

Printed for the author by C. H. Barren, 



1852. 



PREFACE 



The pieces which compose this voKime were written 
subsequent to the pubUcation of " Cokimbia's Wreath:" — 
Some of them were oriGfinally inserted in the newspapers; 
an'i, others have never before been in print. In this form, 
they are now presented to the public as the most recent 
compositions of the author He has endeavored to diversify 
the collection by a variety of style and sentiment; so as to 
render appropriate the motto, which he has selected for the 
title page. 

The scene of the Satirist is laid somewhere] the 
characters alluded to, it is believed, do exist; the time oc- 
cupied by the action is now — the rules of Aristotle, Horace, 
Boileau, &c. to the contrary notwithstanding. The events 
as related, did occur some time or other : or, at least, they 
might have occurred. Should any persons conceive them, 
selves unkindly treated in the poem, they are respectfully 
requested, by the writer, to blame their own conduct^ and 
not his satire. In the first Canto, the poet has not even 
spared himself; for he deems it his undoubted privilege 

" To see all others' faults and feel his ownP^ 

The author begs leave to return his most grateful ac- 
knowledgments to his numerous patrons; and, confidently 
trusts that this production of his leisure moments, may 
prove to them and to the public generally acceptable. 

Washington^ May, lo32. 



THE SATIRIST, 



Canto I* 



" let private sorrows rest; 



*' But to the public I dare stand the test."— CftwrcftiW. 

DIALOGUE BETWEEN A Friend and the Poet, 

F — Brashears! I never did expect to see 
You the sad object that you seem to be: 
I knew you once a youth of habits nice 
And the stem foe of each debasing vice; 
No one amongst us then presumed to claim 
A brighter talent or a fairer fame — 
Why now so fall'n? — thy friends lament to see 
A mind so prematurely wreck'd in thee. 
Faint in thy bosom gleams the muse's fire 
It feebly glimmers, and will soon expire; 
And soon, alas! thy inspiration's Ught 
Will be extinguished in eternal night. 

Thy sire's remains are mould'ring in the grave — 
What kindred spirit rises now to save 
Prostrated genius hast'ning to the tomb. 
Or shed one tear for thy impending doom? 
1* 



6 

On the world's patronage — on other friends, 
A suppliant now for sustenance depends. 
By them at length discarded — say what power — 
Who will relieve thee in the suff ring hour? 
What can the muse's boasted skill avail, 
When horrors full as dreadful as the jail 
Await each sad returning eve's approach 
When moneyless you are denied a couch. (1) 

This is the blest reward of poetry — 
Search th'" historic page you'll plainly see 
How Homer was compell'd in want to tread 
From door to door and beg his daily bread; 
Immortal Spenser did receive no more 
Than a mean pittance from a lordly boor; (2) 
Great Shakspeare was an hostler, ere kind fate 
Advanc'd him to a happier- — glorious state ! 
Drifden in poverty rhym'd all his days, 
And Tonson gain'd the profit — he the ^^raise; (3) 
Milton the majesty of heav'n display'd 
By inspiration, but was meanly paid; (4) 
Savage whom various ills could not depress, 
Roanvd through dark streets and alleys in distress; (5) 
Ill-fated Chatterfon in want expir'd 
By suicidal hands—of misery tir'd; (6) 
And many other rhj^nsters I might name — 
The woes they sufFer'd to enjoy the fame. 

Had you been born beneath some milder star 
That shone with less of inspiration's glare. 
Like it a reg'lar course you had pursu'd — 
Thy vii'tuous actions would have prov'd thy good; 



Or happily, apprentic'd to some trade, 

Your own exertions would have been repaid. 

B, — My friend, now cease, let indignation tell 
Of characters as infamous as hell — 
The whole sad story of my woes relate 
And the vicissitudes of wayward fate. 

In early youth, in pious precepts train'd, 
Much I received, but little I've retain'd: 
It seem'd that happiness would always last, 
But soon untimely came the with'ring blast ! 
I sunk beneath its pow'r as swift it came, 
The blighting censure of an honor' d name — 
I breathe it not, for as you mournful say 
He sleeps beneath the sod and moulds away. 
Why should I breathe it? let rememb'rance tell 
Of beings base — whose machinations fell, 
Bow'd down his gen'rous spirit, and destroy'd 
All happiness and left a cheerless void. 
Then sorrows came and heaviness of soul — 
I drown'd those sorrows in the pois'nous bowl: 
My brain was fir'd — I madden'd at the thought 
That hope and joy so soon should come to nought. 
Enough of this — and now what shall I say — 
In what black colours shall I vice pourtray? 

F — Forbear your satire — you have nought to do 
In dealing censures which belong to you. 
Reform yourself ere others you reform — 
Screen your own head from the impending storm--^ 
Ere you engage in the satiric strife, 
Forsake youi' follies and amend your life. 



6 

What you would inculcate that surely do — 
Shine in example and in precept too: 
What you would others make, that you should be, 
And let your writings and your life agree. 
B. — What of that life which you so harshly blame— 
What blasting act of infamy and shame; 
Has e'er disgrac'd that hfe with its control, 
Condemn'd my conscience and debas'd my souH 
Have I th' associate been of gambling knaves, 
Of sordid miscreants and of fawning slaves; 
Or mingled with that mercenary throng, 
Who cheat and prosper and subsist on wrong? 
Or unsuspecting innocence betray 'd, 
Then fiend-like triumph'd in the wreck I made: 
Poison'd the sweets of calm domestic Ufe — 
Seduced a virgin or debauch'd a wife? 
Has base ingratitude my soul possess'd, 
The blackest crime that taints the human breast? 
Have I betray'd the confidence of firiends, 
And pubhc faith abus'd for private ends? 
Brutes such as these I've seen — such imps I've known> 
That they are fellow-men, I blush to own. 
But, oh! my friend! I have forgot to name 
The vilest miscreant on the roll of shame: 
If any heart he has, 'tis " false as hell," 
And blackest passions in his bosom dwell. 
It is the Slanderer, whose words acurst (7) 
On shame's black catalogue should place him first: 
In him the thief of reputation see, 
Steep'd in the very lees of infamy I 



\ 

\ 



A perjur'd wretch, who would remorseless swear 
To ev'ry calumny his tongue would dare 
To utter — nay the very grave invade, 
Asperse the living, and defame the dead. 
You say " the blest reward of poetry" 
Is cold neglect and cheerless poverty — 
Is this the fate of all? th' historic page 
Records examples of a gen'rous age? 
When poetry and poets were admir'd 
And princely patrons with their themes were iir'd: 
Majestic Virgil, witty Horace shone 
In courtly splendor near a Ccesar^s throne. 
Though some you mention were at times distress'd, 
Others were patronized, admired, caressed. — 
How many languish out a life obscure, 
Unblest with talents, ignorant and poor? 
The proud, the wealthy and the would-be great, 
Alike are doomed to an oblivious fate: 
Say, what is all their dirty trash of earth 
Compar'd with genius of celestial birth? 
On their proud monument and sculptur'd tomb 
No glories brighten and no laurels bloom: 
On crumbling marble are their names inscrib'd, 
For Fame with riches never will be brib'd. 
And thus the grov'lling milhon pass away, 
Like empty bubbles on a summer's day. 
Thus ocean's billows rise and roll to shore — 
A moment glitter and are seen no more: 
But poets are like beacons placed on high — 
Their faults are seen by each observing eye: (8) 



1© 

Spots we discover thus, in Sol's bright face, 
Tho' seldom seen mid his effulgent rays. 

Where is the aspiring mind, but would desire 
To feel one glow of JMilton^s sacred fire; 
Or wave the mystic and enchanting wand 
Which wonders wrought in Spenser^s potent hand; 
With Shaksjjeare grasp th- unfading wreath of fame, 
And gild with glory his immortal name? 
Drijden and Pope were glorious in their lays — 
Their brows were bound with Greek and Roman bays. 
Your patience I would tire, should I rehearse 
The names of other favor'd sons of verse; 
Wliose works to all succeeding ages last — 
The glory of the present as the past. 

F. — All this is very fine — romantic quite — 

Did you observe the precepts that you write. 

Oh! had j^ou timely shunn'd intemperance, 

Ere madd'ning follies had debauch'd your sense — 

B. — Ah! now my friend, you strike a mournful chord, 
And my soul sickens at the hated word — 
Intemperance! that was the fatal rock 
On which I split — where virtue felt the shock; 
Where I was wreck'd, and lost was ev'ry hope, 
And rash imprudence took a wider scope: 
On passions stormy cuiTent I was borne 
To penury's shore, dejected and forlorn: 
But thanks to him, whose love and power sustain (9) 
This rolling orb and all the starry train; 
Whose boundless clemency hath still preserv'd 
And blest with mercy oft and undeserv'd; 



11 

A poor, frail, wayward mortal, as myself. 
What, the' no boasted laurels, fame, or pelf 
Have crown'd my eiForts in the worldly strife- 
Hope still remains alone to cheer my life: 
Bids me with renovated soul pursue 
The path of virtue, and to live anew. 



NOTES 

TO 

Canto I. 



Await each sad returning eve's approach, 
When moneyless you are denied a couch. — 

This has often been the fate of the Author: and some- 
times, when the price of a bed has beeii ofter'd, it has been 
refused. 



Immortal Spenser did receive no more 
Than a mean pittance from a lordly boor. 

It is said that Q.ueen Ehzabeth, sent an order to her 
Minister, Lord Burleigh, to present Spenser with 1,000/. 
What! said that Minister so much money for a song] The 
poet received but 100 I. 



Dryden in poverty rhymed all his days, 
And Tonson gain'd the profit — he the praise. 

J. Tonson, bookseller, received from Dryden 2.5,000 
verses for an advance of 100 1. — His immortal Ode " Alex- 
ajider's Feast," was included in the number. 



13 



Milton the Majesty of Heaven display'd, 
By inspiration, but was meanly paid. 

This couplet in the text, alludes to the small amount 
which Milton received for the copy-right of his Paradise 
Lost. 



Savage whom various ills could not depress, 
Roam'd thro' dark streets and alleys in distress. 

The wretched life of Savage must be familliar to all^ 
who have perused Dr. Johnson's account of that unfortu- 
nate poet. 



Ill-fated Chatterton in want expir'd 
By suicidal hands, of mis'ry tir'd. 

It is supposed that Chatterton died in dispair by his 
own hand. 



It is the Slanderer whose words acurst, &c. 

Creatures of this description might be heVe named. 
They are indeed beneath deliberate contempt. The follow- 
ing caustic lines from an admired American poet, Frenecm^ 
are truly applicable to such detestable monsters: 

" Far to the North on Scotland's utmost end. 
An isle their lies — the haunt of ev'ry fiend: 
There screeching owls and screaming vultures rest, 
And not one tree adorns its barren breast. 

* * * * + :je 

There, miscreants! there with blackest hearts retire. 
There pitch your tents, and iiindle there your fire." 

2 



14 



But poets are like beacons placed on high, 
Their faults are seen by each observing eye^ 

The language of reproof is acceptable from a true 
friend; but not from Joh^s friends. 

" When foes insult and prudent friends dispense 

In pity's strains the worst of insolence." — Churchill. 

9 

But thanks to Him, &c, 

Bnrely no mortal can have more cause of thankful- 
ness to an Almighty Providence, for preservation amid 
difficulties and danger — amid misfortune and sorrow, than 
the author of these pages; and, indeed, when he reflects, 
that most of liis calamities were the consequences of his 
own follies, he is lost in wonder, gratitude and adoration, for 
the mercies which have been extended towards him. While 
thus acknowledcins: the continued goodness ofaninduls-ent 
and benificient God, the author would surely prove un- 
grateful to some of his fellow mortals., were he to neglect to 
avail himself of the present occasion to say, that they have 
been, and are now^ friends even in the dark hour of adversit3^ 
Tho' delicacy would bid him to conceal their kindness, 
yet gratitude, angelic power, incites him to make it known. 
He owns her heavenly influence, and obeys her dictates. 
On this humble scroll of his gratitude, he begs leave to 
inscribe the names of Dr. A. IVlc Williams, John Judge, Esq. 
Wm. Spieden, Esq., Richard Barry, Esq , in the Aicinity 
of the Navy Yard Washington; John Boj^le, Esq , and 
John N. Moulder, Esq. of the Navy Department: Nicholas 
Callan, Jr. Esq.. and J. H. Wheat Esq. Principal of 
the Classical and English Academy on 11th street. Sev- 
eral others in Washington and elsewhere might be named, 
whose friendship will be long remembered with the most 
grateful recollections. No offence it is presumed will be 



15 

taken by those whose names are mentioned in this note. 
It is hoped that they will regard this spontaneous effusion 
of the heart in its true light; and not be ashamed of being 
told in print, that they have befriended the poet when friend- 
ship was most necessary — that they have 

*' Done good by stealth and blush to find it fame." 

But there are other friends, who should be treated in an- 
43ther manner, but peace to them — let their worthless names 
^nd contemptible deeds in oblivion remain, unmentioned 
and unknown; while the indignant poet only exclaims; 

" Lo! they were they, whose breasts the furies steei'd 
And curst with hearts unknowing how to yield."-»-Po|)e. 



THE SATIRIST. 



Canto II. 



" Let freedom reign and tyrants be subdued." 

iErostratus for future fame, 
Set Dian's temple in a flame (1) 
Saw his immortal name arise 
In light ascending to the skies 
His vain ambition to be known 
Sought infamy and not renown 
Thus Nero damn'd to ev'ry age 
Incited by the Iliad's, rage, 
By Homer or by Hell inspir'd 
Imperial Rome in secret fir'd — 
Struck the resounding lyre on high 
As the flames mounted to the sky. 
And conquerors in ev'ry age 
Have 'mid the war's embattled rage, 
Thro' carnage on to conquest strode 
And stamp'd their mighty names in blood, 
And on huge piles of rum built 
Their empires and their thrones of guilts 
2* 



IS 

Thus tjrrant monarchs and their train, 
Arose the nations to enchain; (2) 
Hence they to present times exist, 
And swell the long eventful list 
Of regal virtues — regal crimes — 
The shame or glory of the times, 
On the historic page of fame, 
See here and there a glorious name, 
Like scatt'ring stars that shed their light 
Amid surrounding shades of night. 
While meteors red with lurid glare 
Flash thro' the thick and murky air. 
The power that constitutes a state 
Should from the people emanate, 
To them its blessings should extend 
And private good with public blend; 
Then mingle with its fount again, 
Free from corruption's cursed stain: (3) 
But when knaves aiming to be great 
In factions would embroil the state; 
When shameless demagogues would sway 
The people and their rights betray; 
When vap'ring southern nuUifiers, 
Anti-masonic rogues and liars; (4) 
With vilest traitors all conspire 
To spread dissentions baleful fire;. 
Then let the muse in an?er brand. 
Each pest and nuisance of the land; 
Villains whose machinations base 
Our country's glory would efface. 



NOTES 

TO 

Canto II. 



./Erostratus for future fame, 
Set Dian's temple in a flame. 

Conquerers who have devastated nations for military 
glory alone, may be justly ranked with that infatuated fool 
who, to have his name handed down to future ages, fired 
the Ephesian dome. 

2 

Thus tyrant monarchs and their train, 
Arose the nations to enchain. 

The following nervous lines from our excellent revo- 
lutionary poet Philip FreneaUj may serve to illustrate the 
above couplet: 

•' When God from Chaos bade this world to be, 
Man then he form'd, and form'd him to be freej 
With his own image stamp'd his favorite race, 
How durst thou tyrant the fair form deface?'* 

T* ^r ^n ^r 

*' Curst be the day how bright so e'er it shin'd, 
That kings were made the masters of mankind; 



20 



And, curst the wretch, who first with regal pride, 
Those equal rights to equal men denied. 
But curst o'er all whose servile souls ador'd, 
And basely own'd a brother for a lord." 



Free from corruption's cursed stain. 

Such is the imperfection of our nature, that, in every 
government however distinguished for its free principles 
and strict adherence to virtue, many of its members in the 
discharge of their official duties, are still influenced by the 
ascendant principle of the human heart, interest; — which, 
alas, is too apt to degenerate into that bane of nations— 
loathsome corruption^ and which more or less, infects al- 
most every government on earth. Altho' the caustic 
of " reform" has been applied to the body pohtic of our 
own government, yet it is feared a salutary cure is not as 
yet effected. A rogue in secret may pass for a man of 
integrity; but a knave discovered is a knave indeed. 



Anti-masonic rogues and liars. 

This contemptible and despicable faction, yclept anti- 
masonry^ which is an abomination to the land, was set on 
foot in the State of New York, under the auspices of a set 
of political intriguers, to eflfect their diabohcal purpose of 
destroying the popularity of the late De Witt Clinton^ and 
with it the ancient fabric of Freemasonry; on the ruins of 
which, they vainly hope to erect a Babel of their own. What 
egregious folly and presumption! Dare they lay their sacri- 
legious hands upon Masonry's sacred ark? They have 
presumed to do so — and may disgrace and infamy be their 
punishment. 

The temple of Masonry is based upon the principles 
of immutable truth; its foundation is of unshaken durability; 



21 

its dome is in the clouds of heaven; and, the front of its' 
glorious superstructure bears upon it the impress of antiqui- 
ty, which the hand of Time has nev^er effaced. On its rolls 
are inscribed the lore of all ages and its annals are associ- 
ated with the annals of the world. There are deposited 
those sacred archieves " rich with the spoils of time," unseen 
bj the prying eye of the impious — untouched by the hand 
of the sacrilegious. Masonry is commensurate with the 
early origin of society; its subhme spirit has pervaded all 
ages — it instructed the geometrician on the shores of the 
Nile, and informed the astronomer on the plains of Chaldea; 
it taught the Egyptians to picture language by hieroglyph- 
ics, and Cadmus to form his alphabet by written characters. 
By its power arose the eternal pyramids. Its beauty grac- 
ed the elegant and magnificent edifices of Greece and 
Rome; audits solemn grandeur towered in the stupendous 
castles of the middle ages. But the greatest, the holiest 
work of Masons was the Temple dedicated to the Living 
God. This work was typical of that moral beauty and 
perfection which succeeded practical masonry, and which 
every true Mason should endeavour to attain, that his heart 
might be a fit temple for all those charitable, liberal, and 
enlightened feelings which magnify his profession and do 
honor to the humaii character. 



THE SATIRIST, 



Canto III* 



Bear me ye winds to some sequester'd place 

Where never rascal show'd his brazen face. — Freneau 



Tir'd of inaction — longing for a change, 
And now resolv'd on an excursiye range; 
Along Penn's spacious — crowded avenue 
I pensively my musing way pursue; 
Where lofty poplars rang'd on either side, 
Diffuse their sweetness and display theii' pride: 
Where stately domes rnagnificiently rise, 
And scenes of wealth and grandeur charm the eyes; 
Where may be seen 'mid the promiscuous throng, 
Groups of grave statesmen as they pass along 
To Congress Hall — all carrying in their pates 
Th' united wisdom of Columbia's states; 

Onward, receding from the fed'ral dome, 
In view of Gadsby's and of Brown's I come; 
Those great hotels, which but the great admit 
Tho' great in all accomplishments but wit, 
Display to gaping fools their consequence 
Fine clothes — fine airs — fine ev'ry thnig but sense. 



24 



An understrapper of a great hotel^ 
Provokes my satire and deserves it well. 
Knight of the muddler, see McK — n stand 
Behind the bar — there stationed to command ( 1 ) 
The motley menials that his call obey, 
And yield obedience to his petty sway. 
Swol'n with his own o'erweening consequence, 
His highest talent is impertinence. 
A shallow-pated ass, whose shameless face 
Is but the index of his own disgrace; 
Which never glow'd with one ingenuous blush, 
Which never reddens but with anger's flush; 
' From pride and malice swelling in his breast; 
Where ne'er one gen'rous feeling was imprest. 
How little that conceited mind of his 
So plainly shown in his unmeaning phiz: 
How dark, uncultur'd, ignorant and vain 
Where base maUgnant passions ever reigii. 
Does he expect by aping of the great 
Ever to rise above a tapster's fatel 
For some high place to think his genius fit, 
But shows his folly and his want of wit. 
See yon conceited and pragmatic ass, 
Who fain for Fortune's " minister^^ would pass. 
A very worthy minister I vow — 
His angry features and his scowling brow 
Him more Alecto's votary proclaim, 
Than an attendant of the fav'ring dame. 
Fortune is blind — no favorite she knov/s 
Her gifts around promiscuously bestows. 



25 

Upon the good, the vicious and the vaii.j, 
They share her bounty and enjoy the gain. 
Proceed then ticket vender, and invent 
New lott'ry schemes and muUiply per cent: 
Publish new puiFs, display your ghtt'ring hoard 
In crowded figures on a painted board; 
Of dogg'rel rhymes obtain a fresh supply, 
And jumble prose with fustian poetry. 

I now beg leave to pay my compliments 
To certain gentlemen of consequence: 
To fancy's eye, I see them pass along 
In grave procession like the long-ear'd throng: 
Profoundly stupid and serenely dull. 
They rate their talents by the size of skull; 
And, what they lack in heaviness of pate 
Is well supplied in emptiness of prate. 
See red fac'd Jacob in the train advance (2) 
Wrapt m a mist of his own ignorance: 
Thus rising Sol, his fiery face displays 
Amid the thick and horizontal haze. 
See old Scotch Adam, next to view appear, 
And brother Arch— r skulking in the rear: (3) 
The first for ev'ry thing that's mean will pass. 
The next a blust'ring consequential ass. 
Here comes a stripling by the name of B — ts — 
An unpoetic name, which illy suits: 
With metre. — Next comes slowly lumb'ring on 
Huge Gaby Barn — 11 of himself a ton — 
Great gaby hail! for thou art surely great, 
Like any elephant thou mov'st in state. 

3 



^e 



And hail thou oracle of tavern wits — 
Grave, soporific, and renown'd judge P — tts. (4) 
Long had this plodding typo stood at ccLse^ 
With thu'sty gullet and with lengthened face — 
Damn'd all his works as profitless and stale 
Where not one bumper did his lips regale: 
Resolv'd at length to gain a station higher, 
Forsake his piintiug and to fame aspire; 
He dash'd his useless stick " in thunder down," 
And into hell his jumbled types were thrown. 
To press and office bade a long adieu — 
Renounc'd the devil and abus'd him too. 
And now, oh muse, to F — n Inn repair — 
There see great Typo in his new career: 
The landlord with his open gen'rous face 
Is seldom ever seen about the place — 
Typo alone, in dignity of specs, 
The glass composes and ihe proof corrects. 

Who is that personage amid the train, (5) 
Who looks so pompous, ignorant and vain. 
Behold how loftily he passes by, 
With stately steps and with a scornful eye: 

Methinks I know him — it is F — M ^r, 

Tho' small his stature, yet he would aspire, 
o^bove a vulgar and a grov'Uing fate, 
And shine pre-eminent among the great. 
What are his merits? Why presume to claim 
A rank above an humble typo's fame? 
It is that pride, which ever does control 
The petty movements of a little soul. 



27 

'Tis vanity which always is confin'd 

To a perverted and inflated mind; 

It is that selfishness for ever known 

In fools who value but themselves alone; 

That ignorance which crowds the blockhead's brain 

And marks the proud, the selfish and the vain. 

Yet after all his high pretensions, still 

He is below that very typo's skill; 

That noble art in which a Franklin shone 

Will scarcely own the booby as a son. 

And even Judge P — tts, wiih all his waj'^ward whim. 

Is quite a genius when compar'd to him. 

Satire adieu! and welcome happier themes — 
Inspiring visions and Parnassian dreams. 
With thee stern Pow'r? I've trod the thorny way 
Where fancy scarcely sheds a ghmm'ring ray. 
Reluctant mingled with the motley throng, 
The right applauded and condemn'd the wrong; 
And fearless levell'd thine unerring darts 
At silly heads and at remorseless hearts — 
Held up piesuming ignorance to view, 
And sneaking rascals from concealment drew; 
Dar'd to arraign the faults of public men 
And hunt corruption in his hated den: 
Brand the proud knave in his exalted chair, 
Nor the vain threats of vap'ring braggarts fear. 
My task is done, and gladly I resign 
The rod of satire and invoke the nine, 
In milder strains congenial to the soul, 
While inspiration breathes its ?weet control. 



.^ 



NOTES 



TO 



Canto III. 



Behind the bar, &c. 

^ Not an attorney's bar, gentle reader! but one, where 
■irtain commodities may be had rather more palatable than 
ull musty dockets, &c. 



Red faced Jacob. 



If report be true, Jacob is not at all endowed with the 
bravery which so eminently distinguished that valiant and 
pious hero, whose victory is recorded m the book of Judges, 
Chapter 7. 



Old Adam and Brother Archer. 

The pair of Sawneys alluded to in this couplet, may 
e well yoked together, as equally notorious for meddling 
^pertinence, bigotry and selfishness. 



30 



Grave soporific and renown'd Judge P — tts. 

This worshipful personage, a ci-devant printer, but 
now bar-keeper in a respectable nin and much noted for his 
arrogance and abrupt demeanor, possesses, nevertheless, not 
a bad heart. He certainly has a claim to some redeeming 
qualities, and any ridicule which he may have justly in- 
curred in this canto, may be ascribed to certain eccentnci- 
ties, not perhaps beyond his control. His change of voca- 
tion it is hoped, is perfectly congenial with his feelings and 
taste; for it is infinitely more pleasant to handle a proof 
glass, than to be subjected to the drudgery of correcting a 
proof sheet: a lemon squeezer is certainly easier to wield 
than a lumbering printing press; and a muddler is a very 
good substitute for a composing stick. 

" Hell" — A phrase used by Printers; an appellation 
attached to the place where they throw their broken and 
useless type. 

" Devil" — The youngest lad in the ofRce. 



Who is that personage, &c. 

It is extremely unpleasant to incur the imputation of 
those unworthy passions, animosity or revenge, for having 
dealt out censure and reproof when justly merited. The 
author disclaims any such feeling in the present instance. 
Yet, he cannot refrain from adverting to the circumstance 
of having once been refused admittance into a miserable 
lumber room, yclept a printing office; where the satirical 
sh-et called " the True Blue" was last published. The 
author deems the lines alluded to in this note, as a merited 
retaliation for the insult offered; yet at the same time, he 
declares, that he entertains no personal hostility to the 
indi\i4ual satirized. 



31 



ODE 

la celebration of the late glorious Revolution in Prance, in July, 1830, 

Disastrous but to tyrants was the hour, 
And fatal the infatuated reign 
Of the misguided Monarch and his train; 
When in their mad career, they did advancej 
And trampled with unhallow'd power 
On freedom and on France. 

Portentous was the cahn that breath'd around — 

'Twas like the stillness which a storm precedes, 
Gath'ring its force to burst on impious heads: 

O'er vine-clad hills, green fields and sunny heights — 

In crowded streets was heard no warlike sound; 
France in gigantic hstlessness reposed, 
And Janus' Temple seem'd forever closed. 

Frenchmen appear'd unmindful of their rights- 
Till they indignant saw those rights a prey 
To lawless power, and to despotic sway. 

'Twas then they woke from their inglorious dream, 

And instantaneous as the lightning's gleam 

Th' electric flame of freedom spread; 

Fir'd ev'ry bosom — while in phalanx dread, 

Invincible they rushed, and vanquish'd n^nions fled! 



, 32 

Brave youth of France — your country's pride; 

Imbu'd with classic lore, 
Twas yours her patriot ranks to guide 

Amid the battle's roar; 
To lead impetuous to the fight 

Victorioiis legions on; 
A'ith courage fir'd, and arm'd with might 

To glory and renown! 
ieroic youth! we search th' historic page, 
\nd view the mighty acts of ev'ry age; 
n youthful deeds, unrivall'd is your fame 
\bove each ancient and each modern name! 

But lo! an aged chief appears! 

The Hero of two hemispheres — 

Gilorious in renown and years! 

Tis LAFAYETTE! He now commands 

His country's patriotic bands: 

His honors bloom in age — e'en now 

Fame binds fresh laurels on his brow — 

Inscribes his deeds from youth to age, 

In rays of light on glory's page! 

Hail favor'd France! auspicious is thy fate! 
A patriot King and a regenerate State 
Are thine: and sceptred tyrants see amaz'd 
A Sovereign on thy Tlii'one by freemen raised! 



33 
STANZAS TO FREEDOM. 

For the 4th of July, 1831. 

Once more, O Freedom! we behold thy day — 

Thy natal day to ev'ry vot'ry dear; 
When o'er these realms thou claim'dst a sov'reign sway 

And usher'd in thy bright Saturnian year. 

Tho' now we see the rage of party's storm 
Prevail, and envious clouds their shadows cast: 

Thy realms eetherial they can ne'er deform — 
Thy reign triumphant will forever last. 

Above Detraction's mist and Faction's cloud, 

FREEDOM! thy glorious bird hath ever soar'd: 

'Mid starry skies he reigns supremely proud — 
Eternal sunshine is his bright abode. 



EPITAPH, 

On SIMON CANTWELL, who died in the City of Washington, and 
was interred in the Roman Cathohc burying ground. He left a con- 
siderable sum of money to a family of young and aimiable females in 
this City. 

His life was blameless, and his end serene, 
And ere he quit this transitory scene; 
The greatest Christian virtues he display'd 
By pious gifts munificently made. 



34 



ALBERTO A FRAGMENT. 

1 knew him well — a youth of lovelier mien — 

Of more attractive form I ne'er beheld, 

But sixteen summer suns had shone upon 

His cheeks then glowing with the bloom of health: 

Yet he had trod th' academic maze, 

And courted erudition in her shades. 

With learning's lore thus early was imbu'd 

His mind then rip'ning to maturity: 

And those bright eyes which so serenely shone 

Had oft been sleepless o'er the midnight page: 

And he oft sought the muses in the bow'rs 

Of Fancy, and would listen to the strain 

Which died awaj' on the delighted ear. 

And sometimes he would twine a votive wreath 

From the sweet flow'rs of poesy that bloom'd 

Along the border of the muse's stream; 

For some fair brow — some ideal fairy nymph, 

That only in imagination liv'd. 

A youth so promising and so beloved, 

With ev'ry bright accomplishment adorn'd, 

Gave to admiring friends the pleasing hope 

Of useful manhood crown'd with noblest deeds-. 
***** 

***** 

Years had roll'd on — a chasm wide and drear 
O'er which the clouds of darkness and of fate. 
Sat brooding, had between us interven'd — ' 



35 



And, yet still I my wayward fate pursu'd 
Along the wild'ring mazes of this world — 
* * * * 

A person I beheld — to mem'ry's eye, 
He bore faint semblance to some former bein^, 
Whom once I knew and lov'd — a wand'rer, 
All lonely like myself, he seem'd to be; 
Who sorrow's cup unto the lees had drain'd. 
His downcast eye — wan cheek — and tott'ring frame 
Pictur'd his extreme wretchedness of mind: 
And tho' keen misery had worn away 
Almost the traces of his former self, 
Yet certain flashes from his sunken eye 
And scmt illations of a mind once bright 
Made known to me my long lost friend Alberto! 
A genius all in ruinsl 

Curs'd o'er all 
Art thou intemperance, with all thy train 
Of gaming and of other hellish arts 
And practices of dissipated life. 
The accomplish'd, young Alberto was thy victim! 
A gray-haired sire and mother have gone down 
In sorrow to the grave; while he remains 
The pitied object of his former fidends. 



38 
THE HICKORY TREE. 

Respectfully dedicated to ANDREW JACKSON, President of the U. S. 



" The man resolv'd and steady to his trust; 
Inflexible to ill, and obstinately just, 
May a base Faction's insolence despise 
It's senseless clamours and tumultuous cries. 

Nut the red arm of angry Jove, 
Who hurls the lightning from the sky. 
And gives it strength to roar, and rage to fly; 

The stubborn virtue of his soul can move. 
Firm would he look on the dissolving world — 
On nature into non-existence hurl'd. — ''''Horace. 

Let foreign bards in strains exalted sing 
The Royal Oak that sheltered England's King> 
When he from Wor'ster's fatal battle fled, 
And sought its branches to preserve his head; 
Be mine the task to sing the Hickory Tree, 
Emblem of valor and of liberty; 
On Freedom's genial soil behold it rise 
Unshaken, firm, and pointing to the skies; 
O'er these blest climes, its branches are displayed, 
In war, protection, and in peace a shade. 
The rival of the JWonarch Oak it stands, 
And all the other forest trees commands. 
In vain the Uttle shrubs and cedars toil, 
The mean abortions of a barren soil, 
To undermine its roots — it yet will stand 
The pride — the glory of om' native land — 
Brave every storm — the teeth of time defy, 
And rather than decay, ^vill petrify. 



37 

No parasitic mistletoes intrude 
Tiieir shallow graft on this repulsive wood; 
But to congenial oaks they ever cling 
Like venal courtiers to a tyrant king. 

Americans! the Hickorij Tree revere, 
To ev'ry freeman's heart it should be dear; 
And ye of other climes, oppressed by lords, 
Enjoy the blest asylum il affords; 
Be Freedom's votaries, the tyrant's foe, 
And hail the Hickory on Columbia's hore. 
And, thou illustrious chief! whose Tree I sing— 
Thou choice of freemen, and above a king, 
Accept this freewill offering, nor refuse 
The tribute of an unassuming Muse. 



LINES 

Written during an Excursion up the Chesapeake Bay in the fall of 183L 

On Chesapeake's broad and expansive bay 
The Muse inspires me and I tune the lay. 
Great midland ocean of the western world, 
Where the white flag of commerce is unfurl'd 
Wond'ring thy mighty waters I survey — 
Thy billows glitt'ring in the sunny ray. 
Thy beauteous isles that gild the splendid scene. 
With culture decked and groves forever green: 
Thy distant shores in dark perspective rise 
in vap'ry lines that mingle with the skies! 
4 



3d 

I've seen the time when such a scene as this 
Would fill with rapture and inspire with bliss; 
The buoyant heart of youth elate with pride, 
Which like the vessel bounding o'er the ride; 
Throbs with the hope of home — enjoyments dear 
And ev'ry moment would an hour appear. 
Where now's the poet's hope — the poet's home? 
Alas! condemn'd a wanderer to roam — 
Forc'd for relief to make his sad appeal 
To hearts unteeling and to breasts of steel: 
And sorrowing muse upon a distant shore, 
And see the dearest of his friends no more. 
Yet oft in pleasing visions of the night 
Scenes past forever flit before the sight; 
And sounds forever still, salute the ear, 
And forms now mould'ring in the dust appear: 
The wand'ring sense bids former joys revive; 
And long departed kindred seem to live — 
Short the duration, — each returning morn 
Brings sad reality — the vision's gone! 

See 3'onder Point, that rises o'er the wave (1) 
Their noble City from disgrace to save, 
There freemen stood — a patriotic host — 
The brave defenders of their native coast, 
Expell'd those proud invaders from the plain, 
And sent them vanquish'd to their ships again. 
And hail thou toicenng Fo tress which withstood (2) 
The rage of Britain's Navy on the flood; 
Whose vivid flashes and who.-e deafnins- roar 
Blaz'd in the sky and thund'red on the shore: 



39 

On thy proud battlements in triumph wav'd 
The spang-led banner, and the battle brav'dj 
Its stars of glory shone amid the fight 
And ardent freemen gladden'd at the sight. 
As some great rock amid the warring waves. 
Resists the billows and the tempest braves; 
Thus, firm, impregnable didst thou remain, 
And Britain thunder'd from her fleets in vain. 

O Baltimore! thy greatness now I view — 
Thy wealth increasing and importance too: 
With pride I see each monumental stone, 
A'i once thy country's glory and thine own; 
Thy crowded mart, thy splendid domes survey 
Thy spires thai glittei in ilie orient ray: 
Hadst thou been captur'd, pillag'd and disgracedj 
Long would the sad momentous story last: 
In characters indehble remain — 
On history's page, an everlasting stain. 
Thine was a nobler — a more glorious fate, 
Tiium.phant laurels did thy sons await: 
On vict'ry's plain where warring hosts contend, 
'Twas theirs to conquer, vanquish and defend. (3) 

Baltimore, October ^ lb31. 



40 



NOTES TO EXCURSION, &c. 



Alluding- to the battle of North Point, which eventua- 
ted in the death of General Ross and the defeat and expul- 
sion of his army. 

2 

The bombardment of Fort McHenr3^ A circumstance 
occurred during that event which occasioned that elegant 
national song " The Star-spangled Banner," by F. S. Key, 
Esq. of Georgetown, D. C. 



Tn thp anfnmn of l.S31.Iwas induced to visit the 
City of Baltimore, for the purpose or oi>taimng aHrlitinnal 
subscribers to this volume. Considering that I was a 
stranger in that City, I met with success beyond my ex- 
pectations. It was certainly gratifying to receive encour- 
agement from gentlemen of the first reputation, who had 
never before seen me, or any of my former productions, 
except a small poem which I took with me, entitled ,, The 
Hickory Tree" complimentary to our chief magistrate. 
This poem presented in handbill form, recommended me to 
the notice and patronage of several distinguished Baltimo- 
reans, whose urbanity is only equalled by their talents and 
patriotism; among whom I name with pleasure: Col. B. C. 
Howard, tF. S. Heath, Esq , Doct. Edw. J. Alcock. George 
T. Dunbar, Esq., Richard J. Matchett, Esq., Messrs. Bines 
and Wilson, editors of the Baltimore Republican, and the 
Editor of the Baltimore Patriot; besides a number of others 
as the subscription hst will show. 

In enumerating these instances of patronage thus bestov/- 
ed, 1 would do injustice to my feelings, outraged as they 
were, should I omit to notice the conduct of certain bipeds, 
towards me during my stay in Baltimore. Let one at pre- 



41 

sent suffice; and the intelligent reader rnay make his own 
application of the following verses. Tho' composed in the 
doggerel style, they are worthy of their subject, who is alike 
distinguished for his ignorance and impertinence. 

Pray Mr. B 1! 

Be not a fool 

To censure what I write: 
Still keep your stand — 
Hammer in hand, 

And leave me to indite. 

O! Mr. B 1, 

It is no rule 

To judge me by my dress, 
Then why so harsh — 
In language rash — 

Insult me in distress? 
A gentleman I'm sure you're not, 
You rose on a soap boiler's pot — 

The genius of the scum: 
Now metamorphosed to an ass, 
In that capacity you'll pass, 

Which is denied by none. 

Now Mr. B 1 

Do go to school 

There learn your A. B. C. 
When these you learn, 
Then critic turn, 

And rightly judge of me. 

After remaining for some weeks in Baltimore, I enter- 
ed on board a small vessel bound to the head of the Ches- 
apeake Bay. That trip forms the subject of the foregoing 
poem. I visited Charlestoivn, a miserable dilapidated village 
and JVorth East, another, which appeared to be very little 
better in the way of business. At the latter place, I ob- 
tained one subscriber! At the former not one!! 



4* 



42 



SATIRIC LINES 

On the Young Men's National Republican Convention, + which recently 

mei in this City. 

What time at Hartford a Convention sat 
In traitorous conclave and in dark debate: 
- Their country's ruin plotting ere they rose — 
Not darino; their intentions to disclose: 
Shroudins; their black desifi^ns in factious niofht 
Murky as hell itself: then lo! a light 
Of victory upon the nation shone, 
And crown'd with glory that eventful morn | 
That saw triumphant Jackson on the plain, 
Proud Britain vanquish'd and her thousands slamt 
When o'er the land was heard from shore to shore 
A nation's plaudit in the cannon's roar! 

Now, while that chief who ev'ry peril brav'd, 
Tlie country governs which his valor sav'd; 
Behold a non-descript assembly here 
Uncall'd — unsent — presumptuously appear — J 
Of self-sbjled JS^ationals-—^ motley train. 
To act some ftirce of follv o'er ag-ain — 



* " Young men" indeed, upwards of 30 or 40 years in age, old boys I 
think: '■'■National Republican^'' too, "Heaven save the mark" to the ex- 
clusion of the rest of the nation. How unfair thus to deprive the whole 
Jackson party oi all title to nationality and republicanism. 

j The battle of New-Orleans, 8th .January, 1815, about the time that 
the Hartford Convention was in Session. What a contrast! the blackness 
of treachery with the glory of victory! 

\ There is some little difference between the Hartford Convention and 
the present one. In the former, the deepest villainy was conceal'd, in the 
latter the most egregious folly and unwarrantable assumption are made 
manifest. 



43 

Their vain presumption in their deeds to show, 
And their envenom'd darts at merit throw. 
The vapours that from stagnant marches rise, 
Awhile may darken and o'ercast the skies; 
But when bright Phoebus' all o'erpow'ring ray 
Prevails — those mists are scatter'd far away. 
Thus Jackson'' s fame serenely shines on high 
Above the envious clouds of calumny; 
Should Faction dare its impious head to rear, 
And curst Disunion in its train appear, 
O'eraw'd — o'erwhelmd by his superior ray, 
To shades congenial they would shrink away. 
Washington^ JSlay, 1832. 



STANZAS, 



Respectfully addressed to Com. ISAAC HULL, of the Navv Yard, 
Washington, on the capture of the British ship, GUERRIERE, 
by the CONSTITUTION, under nis command. 

What horrid crash was that which shook 

Old ocean's caves below; 
While rolling clouds of flame and smoke 

In realms of aether glow? 
'Twas the tremendous sound which wqke 

Columbia's naval miffht: 
Britannia's charm on ocean broke, 

When heroes sprang to light. 
Then gallant HULL, stood mid the rage 

Of battle and of flame — 
Then bade his ship the foe engage. 

And grasp'd the wreath of fame. 



44 
A SEA BALLAD, 

Founded on a narrative which recently appeared in the newspapers. 

A little bark was on the wave, 



Involv'd in shades of nio^ht; 
While not one glimm'ring star was seen 
To shed its twinklins: HHit. 

The night was drear — the clouds were thick- 
No breeze the dull waves stirr'd; 

When lo! amid the low'ring skies, 
A sullen voice- was heard: 

" Clear, clear the deck," some spirit said, 

High in the murky air: 
All hands were seized with sudden awe, 

And soon the deck was clear. 

Down — down a horrid monster fell, 

Amid the vapours dark — 
With sound tremendous on the deckj 

And shook the Httle bark! 

But instantly amid the gloom, 

The monster disappeared; 
And soon again above the ship, 

His warning voice was heard. 

^' Clear — clear the deck!" again was said, 

High in the murky air: 
, All hands again were seized with awe, 

And soon the deck was^lear. 



45 

Down— down again the monster fell- 
Sea ice seen in vapours dark, 

With sound tremendous on the deck, 
And shook the little bark. 

Once more again in awful gloom, 

The monster disappeared, 
But soon again above the ship, 

His hollow voice was heard: 

*' Clear — clear the deck," again resounds 

(Unearthly sounds they were:) 
The crew once more were seiz'd with dread, 

And quick the deck was clear. 

Down — down again the pondrous weight. 

Fell mid the vapours dark, 
With sound tremendous on the deck^ 

And shook the httle bark. 

There it remained, fix'd and unmov'd — 

Obscur'd by circling glooms; 
Uniil the chief of that small bark 

His wonted sway resumes: 

By his command each gallant tar 

Unto his post repair'd: 
Alone their captain's word they knew; 

The fiend no longer fear'd. 

Yet there was 07ie within that ship — 

And secrets deep and dark; 
Of murder foul disturb'd his breast: 

The Jonas of the bark^ 



46 

Impell'd by a resistless fate. 

He to the monster went: 
With imprecations horrible, 

O'er it recumbent bent. 

The fiend stretch'd out his shagg-y arms- 
And graspt the murd'rer fast: 

Plunor'd with him headlonsr in the sea — 
All in a brimstone blast. 

Baltimore, Octohe?^, 1831. 



ODE 

To a glass of Mint Sling. 



Thou sweet seductive captivating thing — 

Generous mint slingl 
Hov7 grateful to the morbid stomach thou! 
Invigorating us with fancy's glow: 
But, yet amid thy pleasing reverie — 
Amid thy verdant leaves I see 

The snake of discord coil'd, 
And wransrlins: demons who would raise a row: 
Like Hercules, thy serpent neck I'll wring, 
And be victorious over thee, mint slingl 

Then, thy deluding stratagems are foil'd- 
At all events, I mean to take biit one — 
Then the good work of Temperance is done. 

Written at Kinchy^s, August, 1831. 



47 

THE CARRIERS' ADDRESS, 

To the patrons of the Busy Bod\', January, 1831, 

Once more our mother Earth has run 
Her annual circuit, round the sun; 
Old father time concludes the year^ 
And brings us Congress in his rear; 
Courts, Criiii'nals, Constables and cost, 
Rogues, Gamblers, Knaves — a motley host, 
The very dregs of all the nation, 
That come for pleasure or for station; 
Impostors with pretended claims — 
Actors — jugglers — Cyprian dames: 
Of human brutes, the last refuse, 
Which JVick would scarce for lumber chuse. 

Among the crowd assembled here, 
See in the foremost rank appear 
Judge f^ECK,* of high judicial station, 
Impeach'd for crim con on the nation- — 
And for such Laidess acts as these. 
The Senate may do what they please; 
At least they have our free permission, 
To execute then" high commission; 
Provided, also, nevertheless. 
They will a Lawless man redress, 

* Judge Peck was impeached before the Senate, for the imprison- 
ment of Mr. Lawless, 



48 

And put His Honor Mr. Peck 

In custody of B * * * *r's Beck — 

Send him to Tench's Boarding House; * 

Or to the Point which still is worse; 
Mav he his riii-htful measure have 

And do the penance which he gave. 

May Tommy Chilton preach again^ 

And Brother Crockett cry amen! 

May General N virtuous grow, 

Like the pure, white, unsullied snovv^; 

May Working Men's Association 

Be no deep plan to gull the nation; 

May all the foes of General Jackson 

Have tar and feathers — plac'd their backs on, 

^ May dupes of pettifogging knaves, 

Not make themselves the worst of slaves: 

May noisy, factious, nuUifiers, 

Be prov'd the gi'eatest of all liars., 

Except the innocent John Bmns, 

Indicted for a thousand sins. 

May he on coffin handbills live — 

'Tis all the blessing we can give. 

And yet our friends! before conclusioUj 
Permit another quaint allusion; 
Our BusY-BoDY is more witty 
Than all the Day-Hes in the City, 
With all their dignity and sense 
Their canting stuff of Temperance; 



* Jail — wheu rencli Ringgold, Esq. was Jiarisiial ui the D, C. 



49 

Long" speeches without sense or marrow;, 
Dry as the desert of Zahara. 
The effusions stale of barren pates, 
L)ull as Congressional debates; 
With all the advertising trash, 
Which only serves to bring in cash; 
As for ihe boasted Telegraph, 
It rarely e'er excites a laugh; 
And, for the grave Intelligencer, 
It ne'er nivites a witty pen sir. 
And sleepy Ho > nans, always dozing, 
Or over others, nonsense prosing, 
Responds to all the Ues infernal, 
The manufacture of the Journal; 
That bantling dear of Johnny Agg 
That flimsy coalition rag — 
r^o honest patriot e'er woidd heed it. 
And scarce a decent person read it. 

And now, our ditty to conclude, 
To patrons all, whose pay is good^ 
We give the season's compliments, 
And hope some hberal recompeR^, 



50 

STANZAS, 

On the approach of Spring. 

Lo! timid spring appears at last^ 

But scarce resumes her reign: 
The wint'ry breeze and chilling blast 

Yet linger on the plain; 
But short may be their transient stay, 

Soon may the mournful breeze 
Chaunt its last melancholy lay 

Among the leafless trees. 
Haste lovely May! with radiance crown'd, 

With all thy smiling train — 
Dispense thy beauty all around, 

O'er valley, hill and plain. 
Come beauteous month with gladd'ning ray, 
- Thy charms benign impart: 
0! drive the clouds of w^oe away, 

And cheer the hopeless heart. 
He who has sigh'd thro' winters gloom 

Will feel thy sudden glow, 
And smiles of pleasure will illume 

His pallid cheek of woe. 
The industiious swain will then rejoice, 

And bless thy sunny hoursj 
List to the birds' melodious voice, 

And hail the rising flow'rs. 
Thro' thy green bowers the muse will rove, 

And tune the rural lay; 
While zephyrs whisper in the grove 

That winter's far away. 



31 

BTANZAS, 

On the loss of the ^hip St^lph.* 

With a prosperous breeze, o'er the bright azure maiB, 

The Sjiph gently glided along; 
And the thoughts of beholding his sweet home again 

EnHven'd the mariner's sons;. 
Vain alas! were his hopes — on a sudden o'ercasty 

The sky was no longer serene: 
The black-tempest cloud and the terrible blast 

Hung frightfully over the scene! 
The wind is in motion — with fury it raves — 

The red light'ning gleams from on high! 
The loud thunder roars and the big mountain waves 

Are blendmg the sea with the sky! 
Oh! where is that Ship? far below the rude surge — 

To the depths of the ocean gone down: 
. And the voice of the tempest has sung a loud dirge 

For the victims whose fate we bemoan. 
How many sad friends now in unison mourn, 

Of relatives dearest bereav'd: 
They weep for the bonds of affection thus torn-— 

Their sorrows still flow unreliev'd. 
How untimely the end — how lamented the doom 

Of the young, the accomplish'd the brave: 
In the morning of life in the freshness of bloom j 

They have sunk to a wat'ry grave! 



* The reader will recollect, that the Sylph sailed from the Navy 
Yard of this city, sometime sincej and, that she, together with her cxew, 
have since been lost at sea, 
Aprilf 1832. 



5^ 



REFLECTIONS IN SOLITUDE. 



How painful is the retrospection of past pleasure, 
when associated with present woe! Of scenes of innocent 
joys, when succeeded b}^ grief and anxiety, consequent upon 
the indulgence of improper habits; when the feehngs are 
agitated in one incessant struggle between virtuous inipres- 
sions, early received, and vicious inclinations, subsequently 
imbibed. How embittered is a mind, enUghtened by in- 
formation, yet debased by a sense of its infirmities. How 
shocking are the " lights and shades" of a picture in which 
'virtue and vice are so incongruously blended! 

Charge me not with egotism my youthful readers, (for 
Jkhis essay I design for you) — that if in my solicitude to 
admonish you in the early stage of your career against the 
an ires that await you; I should here make some allusions 
to my own sad experience — though painful to me, they" 
may be salutary to you. 

For some years past, I wandered I knew not whither — 
my way was like that of the benighted traveller, roaming 
through dark church yards, and stumbhng over the tombs 
ef the dead. As 1 pursued the wildering mazes of error, 
every step increased my distance from the paths of virtue, 
and accelerated my progress to ruin. A succession of dark 
vicissitudes bowed down my spirits, and clouded my under- 
standing. The pressure of adversity had blunted my 
feelings — a sense of my own unworthiness, and the insults 
«f others had humbled my pride. " O! the humihations to 
which vice reduces us." Will you beheve it my young 
readers? Need, degrading need, which my folly had 
brought on, oft made me succumb, to the sordid and the 
mean — I have borne with humility their fiend-like taunts 
and cruel reproaches: my very soul sickens at the recollec- 
tion of frequent in liiTuities received from the lowest crea- 
tures. Thus, I went on till I stood on the brink of a 



6S 

yawning, frightful precipice— a ray of light gleamed through 
the gloom that smTounded me at that perilous moment, 
and I at once beheld myself — a poor, pitied and despised 
thing! Poor, because my folly had made me' so — pitied, 
for friends who once cherished and respected me, sighed at 
the change they saw — and despised, for to those who had 
not beheld my former self I must have appeared despica- 
ble. Could my young readers but feel the mental agony 
which my conscious degradation occasioned — did they but 
know the heart-piercing pangs which I so oft experienced, 
they perhaps would not wonder that too oft I had recourse 
to the Cn'cean bowl. In my present feelings that resort is 
execrable — twas that one vice which blasted all my pros- 
pects, and poisoned all my happiness — it sunk me beneath 
the level of the most vulgar and ilHterate churl! " I will 
not disclose the secrets of my Tartarus" — they are known to 
Him, whose hand I trust has graciously interposed in my 
deHverance: let them remain in silence until the grave 
closes upon them forever. Suffice it for me to say — 1 sought 
rehef from the fiend that tormented me. That fiend was 
Intemperance — I swallowed his potions with avidity, till 
they maddened my bram. For weeks, my path was in 
darkness — I stood phrensied on the brink of despair! 
***** 

Ye, whose cheeks yet glow with the blushes of the 
morning of life — whose hmbs are yet nerved with strength, 
and animated by Activity — whose vivid imaginations glow 
in anticipation of coming fehcity, and whose principles are 
yet uncontaminated, receive from one who once thought, 
felt and hoped as you do now, this admonitory lesson, learn- 

■ ed in the school of woful experience. I speak to you from 
amid my desolation, and caution you to shun the delusions 

^that" had well-nigh proved my destruction. As • for me, I 
must return to the place from whence I started, — but O! 
what a chasm of misspent time! Yet it is better to return 
late than never — and after all our wanderings, to regain the 
way of rectitude. 
0* 



54 



A Liist ©rPalroiis to this Volume, 



IN WASHINGTON, D. C. 



C4EN. ANDREW JACKSON, 

President of the United Stales A number of copies. 

GEN. JOHN P. VAN NESS, 

Mayor of the City of Washington A number of copks. 



Col R. C. Weighfman, 6 


James Riordan, 


Doct. Alex. McWilliams, 4 


G. W. Fridley, 


E. J. Weed, 


Jonathan Hill, 


P. Thompson, 3 


Henry Johnson, 


Amos Kendall. 


Geo. W. B. Blackweli, 


F P. Blair, 3 


J. Cromwell, 


H. C. Neale, 


Wrn. B. Todd, 


AG Smith, 


S. J. Todd, 


John B. Butler, 


C. E. Washington, 


George Cameron, 


John E. Waring, 


James C. Cummings, 


Michael P. Callan, 


John R. Watson, 


John N. Lovejoj^, Jr. 2 


N. H. Woods, 


James Taylor, 


Jason Wilmarth, 


P. Kinchy, 4 


Dr. N. Smith, 


Henri Guegan, 


Jacob Perkins, 


Merrit Tarlton, 


W^ashington Morin, 


Selby Parker, 


John P. Pepper, 


Jacob Gideon, 


Charles Hnntt, 


Peter D. Boutlet, 


Wallace Kirkwood, 


Joseph Narden, 


Samuel J. Kirkwood, 


William C. Glover, 


Nicholas Callan, Jr. 4 


Jacob Dixon, "2 


J. H. Wheat, 


Edward F. Berkley, 2 


C. Vittsen, 


P. Sturtevant^ 



55 



H. Whetcroft, 
H. Randall, 
Samuel S. Rind, 
John Boyle, 
Daniel Browne, 
A. G. Gljnn, 
Benjamin L. Beall, 
James C Wilson, 
William H. Fowler, 
C. Little, 
S. Cooper, 
John McCaulev, 
P. F. B. Dmkee, 
William B. Davidson, 
Charles Baker, 
John Kavenangh, 
John G. Law, 
Charles McNancc,. 
Charles Green, 
James W. Greer, 
Robert Kirkwood, 
James Thompson, 
Z. W. Denham, 
A. T. Tchfailey, 
Daniel Herlity, 
John B. Gorman, 
C. L. Vail, 
Edward W. Turner, 
James Glenn, Jr. 
F. Bnrch, 

Thomas Woodward, 
Bennet Woodward, 
J. L. Bn-rhtwell, 
Francis Hanna, 
N P. Causin, 
E. F. Brown, 
J. J. Lehmanowsky, 
A. Nelson, 



Paul Emeroj, 

Gilbert D. Kean, 

O. Fitzhugh, 

William Smn, 

James Ord, 

Nicholas Harper, 

Wm. D. Beal, ' 

N. Frye, Jr. 

WilHam Rich, 

Thomas Miistin, 

John H. Houston, 

W. C. H. Waddell, 

E. W. Veil, 

Daniel Brent, 

Robert Taylor, 

Levin J. Wilson, 

Wm. B. Hodo-km, 

S. P. Walker^Jr. 

John F. Stinger, 

T. Nock, 

Robert Evans, 

J. W. Smith, 

James L. Addison, 

James Hutton, 

J. Williams, 

James McNerhaney, 

George Kensett, 

Robert P. Paine, 

Geo. T. Jubey, 

Eugene La port e, 

Thomas C. Wilson, 

John B. Boone, 

H. S. Wood, I 

George Hilbus, 

J. Randolph Harbaug^ 

A. McCormick, 

M. Han.son, 

W. W. Tubberville, 



56 



Lambert Tree, 
Charles M. Keller, 
Owen Summers, 
John H. Godelard, 
James Lowry, 
Henry McCeeny^ 
Daniel Fister, 
J. McCeeny, 
J. Sergeant, 
Wm. Stockwell, 
Wm. G. Horner, 
John Coburn, 
Thomas Carberry, 
J. Millard, 
Elijah Chaney, 
Joseph Cross, 
Daniel Johnson, 
E. B. Steele, 
C. McCormick, 
David Butler, 
H. M. Barron, 
Matthew Jarboe, 

John Blackburn, 

John Moody, 

Ricjiard Cole, 

James O. Townsend, 

Phil. Moss, 

G. Higdon, 

S. W. Handy, 

W. A. Wolcott, 

James Sessford, 

James Owner, 

Samuel Stettinius, 

John O'Neale, 

Miss Mary J. Smith, 

Mich. McDermott, 

J. W. Huber, 

J. N. Trucks 



John J. Hamilton, 

Henry Ashton, 

J. P.Keller, 

G. W. Sincoe, 

J. L. Henshaw, 

Thos. N. Brashears., 

E. Krouse, 

S. Hodgkin, 

M. M. Cole, 

A. Butler, 

Peter Lenox, 

A. E. Hovev, 

J. E. Thumblert, 

G. W. Stevenson, 

J. Nightingale, 

Benjamin Beall, 

J. M. Burke, 

A. A Speake, 
W. B. Hogan, 

Jacob A. Bendeif, 
Chauncey Bestor, 
John Douglas, 
William Owner, 
John B. Locke, 
Samuel Scyock; 
James Hagan, 
W. Thompson, 
Samuel Redfern, 
John W. Henderson, 
Cornelius McFarland, 
Benjamin F. Hill, 
Andw. Hurley, 
Alonzo Deweey, 
James Nowland, 
John Green, 
Wm. P Shaw, 
Robert Clements, 
Philip Smith, 



57 



W. K Pnrker, 
John McElli!^:m, 
Chris. Cammack, 

A. R. Watson, 
C P. Sengstack, 
Wm Davy, 
Wni. Need, 

B. Burch, 
David M. Wilson, 
N. Hammond, 

J. F. Halidaj, 
Ferd. Jefferson, 
Joseph Harliaiii^h, 
Wilham Speiden, 
John H. Johnson, 
Arthur W^armg, 
John Mattingly, 
Robt. Clark, 
Noah S tine h comb, 
Doer. Borrows, 
John C. Rives, 
H. Forrest, 
Jonathan Phillips, 
James Y. Freeman, 
Richard Barry, 
Andrew Forrest, 
Charles F. Ellis, 
Matthew Trile, 
V. Piillizz, • 
F. Barry, 
Vincent Camiilier^ 
John Tucker, 
Robert Clark, 
Thomas Kibby, 
James Nokes, 
James Marshall^ 
George Adams, 
James Friend, 



2 



Samuel Mullikin, 
Wm C. Short, 
B. C. Saunders, 
A. B Lindsley, 
Patrick Moran, 
William Tillett, 
M B. Mughps," 
James Kennedy, 
Jerh. Sullivan, 
James Cald\^"ell, 
Edward M. Dmw, 
James Rowan, 
John McNerhany, 
Williani Mackey, 
P. Cassidy, 
Nathan Henry, 
Henry Martin, 
George Collard., 
Philip Linch, 
John Judo-e, 
A. G. Herold, 
James Bright, 
Adam Gaddis, 
James Harrison, 
Henry Getzendanner. 
Wm. Roach, 
Peter Griffin, 
Wm. Emmons, 
Wm. Dougherty,. 
John Hollin.'jshead, 
G. W. Phillips, 
James Peirg, 
V. Massolette, 
Edward Snnms, 
J. Cuvillier, 
Wm. D. Ac ken, 
Jacob Campbell, 
A. H. Fowler J 



3 



ss 



Everard Hall, 
Henry Shaw, 
George Cross, 
George Marshall, 
John S. Devhn, 
M. J. Hanbury, 
Stephen Gale, 
Stephen Twist, 
Bernard O'Donnell, 
Thomas Thornly, 
Peter M. Pearson, 
Edward W Clarke, 
George Najdor, 
Mrs. E. Rose, 
Dr. Richard Barry, 
John T. Towers. 
John Dowling, 
John L. Mc Williams 5 
Joseph Crandell, 
J. H. Howell, 
James Tate, 
John McDonald, 
R. B. Beall, 
John McNerhanj, Jr. 
John Waters, 
C. H. W. Wharton, 
Wm. Hebb, 
David Townsend, 
Jarnes Campbell, 



2 



John Hilh-ardy 
Robt Boyd, 
John Turnbuil, 
Samuel S. Stevens, 
Geo. W. Sullivan 
Wm. G. Chnrch, 
Madison Gassaway, 
Jas. R. Heise^ 
Benj. F. Diivail, 
Heniy Weitz, 
G. L. Giberson, 
J. M. Ford, 
C. Patterson, 
J. C. Franzoni, 
C. A. Alexander, 
J. T. Dulaney, 
J. P. Decces, 
George Dix, 
Henry LeyLind, 
William A. Kennedy, 
WiUiam Wallis, 
P. H. Brookes, 
Wm. Ley land, 
Michael McCarty. 
Rezin Ferguson, 
Richard M. Newman; 
John Brannan, 
James Norris, 



BALTIMORE, MD. 



James A. Cox, 
Edv.'ard Foremail, 
O. Hearltie, 
K. Bines, 
James Carter, 
R. A. Drnkee, 



W. C. Conine, 
J. C. Whelan, 
Thos. Harkins, 
J. Hunt, 

Bah imore Patriot . 
E. W. Lovet 



59 



John P. Carter, 

P Laurenson, 

H. Hewan, 

Edward Littig, 

Joshua Hall, 

Robert Baldwin, 

Hester A. Reside, 

George T Dunbar, 

William Harrison, 

William Allen, 

Richard O'Neille, 

John E. Walker, 

B C. Howard, 4 

James H. Briscoe, 

Charles A. Kurtz, 

C. S. McKenzie, 

B. M. Byrne, 

Rich. Sexton, 

Edmond C. Robinson, 

Thomas G. Harris, 

PRINCE GEORGE 

A. L. Pruess, 
Constantia Pruess, 
Louisa Pruess, 
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Joseph James, 
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Michael Morgan, 
R M. Welch, 
Edmund H. Auld, 
J. Johnson, 
Richard J. Matchett, 
J. F. Wilson, 
Edward J. Alcock, 
U. S. Heath, 
Isaac P. Cook, 
C. D Rice, 
John B. Brashears, 
Henry Dippesch, 
Jonah White, 
Wm. P. Baker, • 
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Ephraim Hands. 

S COUNTY, MD. 

Samuel H. Fowler, 
Francis Darcey, 
Levin Soper. 



UPPER MARLBOROUGH, MD. 



Alexander Mundeli, 
J. H. Boteler, 
W. H. Taylor. 



2 



Richard H. Brooks, 4 

Capt. Thomas Bruce, 4 
Thomas G. Pratt, 
B. Beall, 

JVorth East, Cecil County, Md. — Thomas Sturgeon, 
Bladensburgy Md. — Doct. Benjamin Day. 
Monocacy Post Office — WilUam Byrne, 12 copies.* 



* This generous subscription which does honor to the contributor, 
■was obtained by John McNerhany, Esq., Int<^ndanf of the Washington 
Asylum, whose friendship in this, and in other instances entitles him to th€ 
wannest 2u:knowledgeiueut3 of the Author. 



CONTENTS, 



Preface, - - 




3 


SjATiRisT — Canto I. - 


- 


5 


Notes to Canto I 


- 


!2 


Canto II. - 


- 


17 


Notes to Canto 11, 


• 


19 


Canto III. 


- 


23 


Notes to Canto III. 


- 


29 


Ode on the French Revolution, 


- 


31 


Stanzas to Freedom, 


« 


33 


Epi aph on Simon Cantwell, 


m at 


33 


Alberto — A Fragment, 


• « 


34 


The Hickory Tree, 


• «> 


36 


Excursion up the Chesapeake Bay, 


37 


Notes to Excursion, &c., 


m tt 


40 


Satire on Young Men's Convention 


42 


Stanzas to Commodore Hull, 


t* m 


43 


A Sea Ballad, - 


* » 


44 


Ode to a Glass of Mint Sling, 


' * b 


46 


New Year's Address for the Busy Body, 


47 


•Stanzas on the approach of Spring, 


60 


•Stanzas on the loss of the ^hip Sylph, • 


61 


Reflections in Solitude, 


« • 


52 


List of Puuons to this volume, 


• 


64 






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